17 October 2023 , 15:46
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Gangs of rampaging youths terrorised locals by pelting cars with stones and firing rockets at a house during a night of mayhem. The out-of-control scenes have led to police on Teesside issuing a warning to parents to keep an eye on their children.
Officers was called to two incidents involving groups of young people targeting moving cars with rocks and homes with fireworks. Cleveland Police then responded to more calls about 'young people throwing fireworks'.
Nobody was injured in the attacks but there was damage to cars and the door of a house. Despite searches police have not caught those responsible. Police have highlighted to parents the dangers of fireworks.
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said they want no repeat of the incidents, which happened on Sunday evening in Hemlington and Coulby Newham. The spokesperson added: "Officers attended and carried out searches however unfortunately they did not locate any suspects. We subsequently received reports of two private vehicles being struck and sustaining minor damage; fortunately no-one was injured.
"We would also ask parents and carers to speak to their children and young people and make sure they know where they are and what they are doing when they’re away from home."
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He said the firework incident took place a hour or so later and involved youths in the Grangetown area. An unoccupied address was targeted, causing damage to the letterbox.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to parents and carers to stress the dangers of playing with fireworks. We would also ask them to be aware of where their children are and what they’re doing when out of the house."
It comes after an unrelated incident in which a boy aged just nine from Wales lost two fingers when they were blown off in a brutal firework attack by teenagers. Reckless teens threw a rocket into a den where the boy was playing with a friend. He picked up the explosive not knowing what it was – only for it to blow up in his hands.
Both youngsters were knocked unconscious before being rushed to hospital with severe burns and the child has since lost two fingers. They both suffered damage to their eyes during the blast in Hengoed, Caerphilly, with the boy's sight not returning until six days after the explosion.